Business preparedness is now a looming sight on the "radar" of federal, state and local inspectors, especially after the devastating Midwest floods, Southwestern wildfires and, now, year-round terrorism.

As a result, businesses large and small need something short and sweet that their workers can quickly grasp and easily understand — especially in today''s diverse workforces.

Your staff may speak many foreign languages, and some supervisors are stone-faced and not motivated enough to address language barriers.

A classic example of emergency action planning is elementary school fire drills.

The plan instructed the teachers to evacuate the students from the classroom and the building, escort them through the hallways to designated fire exits, assemble at a predetermined outdoor site and conduct a headcount of the evacuated students.

But, that''s just one aspect, as your EAP is a blanket, all-hazards plan.

Handling Workplace Emergencies

If a bell rings, a horn blares, a siren wails, a red light revolves, a white strobe light flashes or an amber light blinks, do your workers know what that means and what they are supposed to do?

When the fire alarm activates, do your workers secure their chemicals, tools and carts, then grab the nearest fire extinguishers?

Do other workers act as "floor wardens" to evacuate affected areas?

Do other workers find the "special needs" staff and escort them to safe areas like fire exit landings?